Asthma

By Aidan F, C2 11/11/2015

Asthma

By Aidan F, C2 11/11/2015

Introduction

Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Asthma is very important to know about because you never know when it attacks you so you need to plan ahead for it just in case. I unexpectedly had experienced an asthma attack when I was little and I couldn't speak and could barely breath, but since my parents knew what to do I was fine. If you think you need to plan ahead and prevent asthma or if you want to learn more about it then read more into this flyer!

Facts

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lung airways that causes coughing, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath

Weather conditions such as extremely dry, wet or windy weather can worsen an asthma condition.

There are two types of asthma medications: long-term control and quick-relief medications. Long-term control medications are preventive, taken daily to achieve and maintain control of asthma symptoms. Quick-relief medications are used to treat asthma attacks. They relieve symptoms rapidly and are taken on an as-needed basis.

One of the most effective medications for controlling asthma is inhaled medication. When you inhale the corticosteroids that’s in the medication it improves asthma control and normalize lung function (see boy in picture above taking the inhaled medication)

Some ways you can get asthma is allergens, like pollen, mold, or other things that cause an allergic reaction in some people. Airborne irritants and pollutants, like smoke, strong scents, or high levels of air pollutants can also cause Asthma.

All warm-blooded pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and rodents, can make your asthma worse. The flakes or scales from the skin, hair, or feathers of these animals and dried saliva or urine can make people start coughing, wheezing, or get itchy, watery eyes. This is called an allergy. The length of a pet's hair does not matter. There is no such thing as an allergy-free dog or cat.

Triggers (what can cause asthma)

Each person has different triggers. To help you find out what your asthma triggers are, you may need to keep a written record of your activities. For example, write down what you were doing, and where, whenever you have symptoms. This will help you find out if being near certain things causes your symptoms. For example, if your symptoms are worse when you make your bed or vacuum, dust mites may be a trigger. dust mites are microscopic creatures that live on skin flakes shed by humans and pets. They thrive in warm, humid environments like mattresses, upholstery, pillows and carpets. They are found everywhere where humans and warm-blooded animals live. More triggers could be foods, pollen, animals, tobacco smoke or any smoke, strong orders and sprays, etc.

Should and should not do

What you should do with an inhaler is to use 4-6 times a day. Even if you don't have an attack or minor breathing issues at the moment you still need to use your medication. This is because it will improve your breathing even more or even prevent breathing issues from ever happening to you ever again.

What you shouldn't do with it is if you have an asthma attack two to four puffs may be sufficient, if you need more puffs then immediately go to a doctor. You should not completely panic and start puffing the medication so much until there is none left because you would obviously get really sick from that.

You should find out all the asthma triggers so you know how to avoid and prevent them.

You shouldn't find out some of the asthma triggers just because you think some are important than others.

Other information

Approximately 25.9 million Americans suffer from asthma (8% of adults, 10% of children), and asthma affects over 230 million people worldwide.

You could die from asthma

About 25.9 million Americans suffer from asthma (8% of adults, 10% of children), and asthma affects over 230 million people worldwide. The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the early 1980s across all age, gender, and racial groups.

Asthma is the leading chronic disease among children and the leading reason for missed school days.

Asthma is more common among adult women than adult men

Asthma is more common among boys than girls.

Asthma is more common among children than adults

Nearly 7.1 million asthma sufferers are under the age of 18.

Citations

"Breath of Fresh Air: Feature Articles." How Many times a Day Can I Safely Use My Bronchodilator Inhaler? N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2015.